maneuver

[ muh-noo-ver ]

noun

1. a planned and regulated movement or evolution of troops, warships, etc.
2. maneuvers, a series of tactical exercises usually carried out in the field by large bodies of troops in simulating the conditions of war.
3. an act or instance of changing the direction of a moving ship, vehicle, etc., as required.
4. an adroit move, skillful proceeding, etc., especially as characterized by craftiness; ploy:

   political maneuvers.

   Synonyms: plan, plot, scheme, procedure, artifice, ruse, tactic, stratagem

verb (used with object)

, ma·neu·vered, ma·neu·ver·ing.

1. to change the position of (troops, ships, etc.) by a maneuver.
2. to bring, put, drive, or make by maneuvers:

   He maneuvered his way into the confidence of the enemy.

   Synonyms: intrigue, contrive, scheme

3. to manipulate or manage with skill or adroitness:

   to maneuver a conversation.

   Synonyms: finesse, handle

4. to steer in various directions as required.

verb (used without object)

, ma·neu·vered, ma·neu·ver·ing.

1. to perform a maneuver or maneuvers.
2. to scheme; intrigue.

   Synonyms: plan, plot

maneuver

/ məˈnuːvə /

noun

1. the usual US spelling of manoeuvre

Derived Forms

• maˈneuvering, noun
• maˈneuverable, adjective
• maˌneuveraˈbility, noun
• maˈneuverer, noun

Other Words From

• ma·neuver·a·ble adjective
• ma·neuver·a·bili·ty noun
• ma·neuver·er noun
• unma·neuvered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of maneuver¹

First recorded in 1470–80 for an earlier sense; 1750–60 for current noun sense; from French manoeuvre, Middle French manuevre “handwork,” derivative of Old French manuvrer, from Latin manū operāre “to do handwork,” equivalent to manū (ablative of manus “hand”) + operāre “to work” ( operate ); replacing earlier maanorre “manual labor,” Middle French, as above

Example Sentences

In one early scene, she voices her preference for maneuvering around Shiz University, where she’s just enrolled, without help — a desire wholly understood by her sister, if not their overbearing father or the campus staff.

From Los Angeles Times

When you’re living in denial about who you are or what people think — you don’t have to believe what they think — but if you’re aware, you can maneuver through it.”

From Los Angeles Times

But after so many years in the business, Griffin understands how to maneuver her audience and keep them molded in her hands like putty.

From Salon

Tamas noted that this sort of maneuver is something third parties are particularly vulnerable to and part of the reason why a party running fusion candidates is typically on its last legs.

From Salon

Ultimately, his execution was stayed due to some unprecedented legal maneuvering by Texas lawmakers.

From Salon

Related Words

• action
• gimmick
• manipulation
• measure
• movement
• plot
• ploy
• procedure
• ruse
• scheme
• step
• stunt
• trick